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2025-12-31-accounts

HASTINGS OLD TOWN PARISH

One Modern Parish, Two Medieval Churches

Annual Report and Financial Statements of the Parochial Church Council for the year ended 31st December 2025

Rector:

The Reverend Mathew Phipps

Independent Examiner:

The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Clement and All Saints, Hastings (Registered Charity No. 1139491)

www.oldtownparishhastings.org.uk

The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Clement and All Saints Hastings

PCC members who have served from 1st January 2025 until the date this report was approved were:

Ex Officio:

The Rector:

The Revd Mathew Phipps (Chair) Churchwardens: Ian Gallagher (Buildings Officer) Dr Pat Lock Cllr Judy Rogers (Secretary) Ann Wing

Deanery Synod Representatives: Sandra Bentall Judith Cubison

Elected Lay Representatives: Ken Bentall (Electoral Roll Officer) Simon Graves Lawrence Homewood Keith Leech (Health and Safety Officer) Nick Perry (from 11 May 2025 to 23 October 2025) Rosemary Pronger Carol Ridge Heather Summers (to 11 May 2025) Co-Opted: Simon Scott (Treasurer)

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The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Clement and All Saints Hastings

TRUSTEES REPORT 2025

AIMS AND PURPOSES

The primary aim of The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Clement and All Saints Hastings is the promotion of the Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ according to the doctrines and practices of the Church of England.

The PCC has the responsibility of cooperating with the Incumbent in promoting in the ecclesiastical parish the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical. The PCC is also responsible for the maintenance of the two parish church buildings, St Clement’s and All Saints’, as well as All Saints’ Church Hall.

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

The PCC is committed to maintaining a faithful, worshiping community at the heart of Hastings’ Old Town, particularly by:

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The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Clement and All Saints Hastings

When planning our activities for the year, we have considered the Commission’s guidance on public benefit and, in particular, the supplementary guidance on charities for the advancement of religion.

GOVERNANCE AND LEADERSHIP

The Parish of St Clement and All Saints Hastings is an ecclesiastical parish in the Deanery of Hastings, in the Archdeaconry of Hastings, in the Diocese of Chichester.

The PCC is a body corporate (PCC Powers Measure 1956, Church Representation Rules 2011) and a charity registered with the Charity Commission. Membership of the PCC is determined under the Church Representation Rules and consists of certain ex-officio members (the incumbent/priest-in-charge, readers licensed to officiate in the church), the churchwardens and 4 members of the Deanery, Diocesan or General Synods and members of the church who are elected at the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM).

On the 11[th] of September 2025, the Priest-in-Charge, the Revd Mathew Phipps, was Collated and Inducted as Rector of the Parish, the Bishop of Lewes presiding.

The new Electoral Roll for the APCM in May 2025 had 75 names (prior to renewal the Roll was 105). There has been a gradual increase through the year. Those whose names are on the Electoral Roll are warmly encouraged to prayerfully consider standing for election to the PCC, and we try to ensure a balance of skills and experience where possible. The full PCC met 6 times in 2025, holding ordinary meetings in February, April, May, July, September and November.

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE

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The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Clement and All Saints Hastings

Our Parish Context

Together, All Saints’ and St Clement’s are the two churches of the Old Town Parish. The historic centre of Hastings is a lively and quirky place which is home to the UK’s largest land-launched fishing fleet, arcades and a funfair, the East Hill Cliff Lift (the UK’s steepest funicular railway), the Hastings Contemporary gallery, and a wide variety of unusual shops, pubs, bars and restaurants. There are a little over 3,500 people resident in the parish, most in the Clive Vale area which sits in the valley between East Hill and West Hill. During the summer, the area attracts tens of thousands from inland to its beaches and other tourist attractions, and there is an exciting annual calendar of community events with wide appeal, including: Hastings Jack-in-the-Green Festival, Old Town Week, Pirate Day, Hastings Week and the Hastings Bonfire.

Though colourful, and popular with visitors, Hastings suffers from high levels of deprivation. The ecclesiastical parish is the 1,328[th] mostdeprived ecclesiastical parish out of 12,154 in England (top 10%). The area served by the church includes LSOAs in the top 10% of those most deprived by crime and living environment, and in the top 20% for income deprivation affecting children. The risk of social exclusion is most evident in the incidence of high levels of unemployment, mental health issues and homelessness.

Worship and Mission

There are two regular Sunday morning services of Holy Communion (a traditional Book of Common Prayer service at 8am, and a sung Eucharist using Common Worship at 10am). There is also a monthly “1[st] Sunday@6” evening service, which varies from reflective Taize prayer and worship, to Songs of Praise or Choral Evensong. After being reintroduced in 2024, there are now quarterly services of Choral Evensong.

Around 60 people attend one of the two morning services each week, while the monthly 1[st] Sunday@6 service draws regular worshippers as

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The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Clement and All Saints Hastings

well as others who do not attend morning services. Major Christian festivals and special services attract significant numbers, with the most popular services being the Morris Festival Eucharist, Carol Service, and the Family Crib Service and Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve.

The church plays a significant part in the celebration of special occasions and events in the Old Town, including the annual Good Friday Procession of Witness, the Morris Dancers’ Festival Eucharist, the Blessing of the Sea, the Blessing of Pets, and the Community Service attended by representatives of local charities and services. These special services illustrate the achievement of our objective to place the church’s worshiping life at the heart of our community and provide wide public benefit.

Ecumenical Relationships

The church community enjoys a warm relationship with our near neighbour’s the (Roman Catholic) Parish of St Mary Star-of-the-Sea. In January, the Rector preached at a service hosted by St Mary’s during the Week of Prayer for Christianity. The Good Friday Procession of Witness is organised with wide Christian participation, especially from members of St Mary’s.

Communication and administration

Parish News is a key point of contact between the church and the wider community. There are 10 issues a year (double issues over Christmas and in the summer), and these are delivered to every home and business in the parish by a team of volunteers. A pastoral letter, service and event times, articles of local and educational interest, and advertisements from local businesses all feature. Income from advertising defrays the costs of printing, with the balance being provided by the PCC with support from the Magdalen and Lasher Charity.

The parish website has cemented its place as a source of information for visitors, as well as an up-to-date online calendar which is accessible to

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The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Clement and All Saints Hastings

all. The website still contains convenient links to the parish Facebook page and to an online donation portal.

Schools

Two parishioners serve as foundation governors at All Saints’ CE Junior Academy, nominated with the support of the PCC. The church prays for staff and pupils, prompted by a weekly note in Pew News. In 2024, the school’s annual leavers’ service and its Christmas Nativity Concert were held in All Saints’ Church. Since July 2025, the Rector visits the school on a termly basis to lead collective worship.

THANKS

The PCC extends its thanks to all who bear responsibility for the Church’s work in this Parish, both employed and volunteer, too numerous to mention by name in this report. Countless hours are given generously by those serving on committees, leading housegroups, choir rehearsals, running and taking part in services, social events, fundraising, flower arranging, brass cleaning, making marmalade and ensuring that the life of the church and its service to the community has continued throughout the year. Special thanks are due to the churchwardens for their weekly commitment to the practicalities of church community life.

Statement of Responsibilities of the PCC

The law applicable to charities in England and Wales, which is also applicable to Parochial Church Councils, requires the members of the PCC to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the PCC’s financial activities during the year and of its financial position at the end of the year. In preparing those financial statements, the members of the PCC are required to:

a) Select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently;

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The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Clement and All Saints Hastings

FABRIC REPORT

A) BUILDINGS

All Saints Church

Works to renovate the roof of the South Porch were completed by Richard Soan roofing. The original Horsham stone was completely removed to reveal the structure below, which was found to be in good overall condition. Additional stone was sourced as necessary and with new/restored guttering and downpipes installed, the roof is once again fit for purpose and looking as it should.

A new lock was fitted to the main entrance, removing the need to use a key to exit the door, when locked.

The installation of a more sophisticated central heating controller has enabled us to use the system with greater efficiency, which will hopefully result in less gas consumption.

St Clements

Due to being struck by a delivery van, the gatepost on Swan Terrace was demolished and the iron gates damaged, along with one of the lights. This is now the subject of an insurance claim, which is progressing,

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The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Clement and All Saints Hastings

though very slowly. The expectation is reinstatement to match the original.

A major strip down and service was carried out to the central heating boilers. The existing flues were found to be non-compliant with current regulations and were replaced with a system that complies and will also be usable should we ever need to replace the boilers.

A replacement water heater for teas and coffees was installed, which has seen lots of use at the Saturday lunches.

All Saints Hall

The hall has required only routine maintenance during this period. Gutters, galleys and drains have been cleared on a regular basis, in line with the winter readiness works carried out to all our buildings.

Ian Gallagher Buildings Officer

B) CONTENTS

All Saints Church & Hall

The opening to visitors had to be delayed because of the building works and roofing issues. We now hope we can open soon. Visitors will be able to collect the key from Stables theatre after signing in for it, then returning it following their visit.

The floodlights have been adjusted to reduce glare when leaving the West Door.

The Hall continues to be used well by the community for regular meetings and the occasional birthday parties. Thank you to Jayne who manages all the bookings.

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The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Clement and All Saints Hastings

A huge “thank you” to all Sidespeople for welcoming people into church and handing out the relevant service and hymn books. Also to the stewards in St Clement’s Church, who do an excellent job enabling St Clements to open on Saturdays.

Ann Wing , Churchwarden on behalf of the Church Wardens

SAFEGUARDING REPORT

The PCC is committed to the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults and to supporting those who have been victims of abuse, as well as those who may present a risk to others. It has adopted all the House of Bishops’ Safeguarding Policies and Practice Guidance, and renews its commitment to these annually.

The PCC has complied with the duty under Section 5 of the Safeguarding and Clergy Discipline Measure 2016 (duty to have due regard to the House of Bishop’s guidance on safeguarding children and vulnerable adults).

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility and we all have a part to play. In order to meet our Parish responsibilities we have a Parish Safeguarding Officer and a DBS Administrator. Those who work with vulnerable groups are recruited in accordance with the Church of England’s safer recruitment and people management guidance and know and understand their responsibilities e.g. not working alone in the church if there are young people present.

The Diocese have in place a process for parishes to achieve a set of Safeguarding Standards and out parish has achieved both Levels 1 and 2 during the past year and are working towards Level 3 currently.

Safeguarding information is displayed in church buildings and on the church website. There is adequate insurance cover for all activities

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The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Clement and All Saints Hastings

involving children or adults undertaken in the name of the Parish. There have been no issues of safeguarding concern reported during 2025.

Pat Lock Parish Safeguarding Officer

DEANERY SYNOD REPORT

Our parish's representatives, Judith Cubison and Sandra Bentall, attended the Hastings Deanery Synod meetings in 2025.

Wednesday 15th January 2025 was a joyous "Celebrating Faith" service at SS Peter & Paul, Parkstone Road by the Hastings and Rye Deaneries with Bishops Martin and Will, for the 950th Anniversary of the Diocese of Chichester and celebrating 1,700 years of the Nicene Creed which was adopted in AD 325 at the First Council of Nicaea, having been created to establish a unified statement of Christian faith.

Tuesday 7th October : (a) the Autumn Finance meeting at St John the Evangelist, Pevensey Road considered the draft Diocesan Budget for 2026 with discussion how the Diocesan Growth Strategy might impact Hastings Deanery, changes to national funding, and implications for average PMC and parish share. Followed by (b) Diocesan Synod meeting.

Thursday 16th October : Diocesan Synod meeting at St Leonards CE Primary Academy focussing on education; Diocesan Education Team was present. Mainly about building close relationships with CE schools in each parish.

Deanery Synod meetings have now been reduced to 2 a year. Revd Matthew Foy, Priest in Charge of St Matthew's and of St Ethelburga's, continues as our Rural Dean for Hastings since his appointment to

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The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Clement and All Saints Hastings

the role effective 1 January 2024

The Venerable Russell Dewhurst was installed as Archdeacon of Hastings on 29th November 2025 and we looked forward to meeting him within the Deanery.

Sandra Bentall and Judith Cubison Deanery Synod Representatives

CHURCH ACTIVITIES

MUSIC AND CHOIR

The musical life of Old Town Parish continues to grow in both strength and depth, and it is a joy to reflect on a year marked by commitment, development, and encouragement across all areas of the department.

The 2025 organ recital series proved to be a great success, welcoming eight distinguished recitalists and drawing appreciative audiences. Among those who performed were Tom Bell, David Newsholme of Canterbury Cathedral, Daniel Cook of Durham Cathedral, and Simon Hogan of Southwark Cathedral. This series has continued to establish All Saints’ Church as a significant local venue for organ performance.

Looking ahead, the 2026 organ recital series is already well underway in its planning. The series will run from Monday 27th July to Monday 31st August 2026, and programmes have now been received from nearly all recitalists. This year’s performers include Joshua Simoes (Assistant Director of Music at Hampton Court Palace), Richard Moore (SubOrganist at Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford), Jack Gonzalez-Harding (conductor and organist), Jeremy Lloyd (Assistant Director of Music at Ely Cathedral), Carolyn Craig (Assistant Director of Music at Wells Cathedral), and Emma Gibbins (Director of Music at Chelmsford Cathedral). This promises to be another exciting and high-quality series.

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The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Clement and All Saints Hastings

The Junior Choir continues to develop well. Three new choristers have joined during the year, one of whom has already completed their probationary period. Two are currently working towards their White Ribbon as part of the RSCM Voice for Life scheme. In addition, one prospective chorister has been attending rehearsals over recent weeks and has expressed interest in joining formally. It has also been a pleasure to appoint a new Head Chorister following the completion of their Dark Blue Ribbon. Looking ahead, it is hoped that one or two choristers will progress to the Red and Yellow Ribbons over the coming year, continuing to build a strong and sustainable training pathway.

The Adult Choir remains committed and resilient, continuing to support the regular round of services to a high standard. There is, however, an ongoing need to encourage new members, and word of mouth remains one of the most effective ways of inviting others to join this important part of the church’s musical life.

A particularly significant milestone for the choir this year is the forthcoming service of Choral Evensong at Chichester Cathedral at the end of July. This represents a major step forward and an exciting opportunity for the choir to sing in a cathedral setting, reflecting the continued growth in confidence and ability within the ensemble.

The service of Nine Lessons and Carols was especially successful this year, both musically and in terms of participation. It has also been encouraging to see an increase in extended choir membership, with 21 singers present at the most recent Evensong. This demonstrates a growing engagement with the choir beyond its core membership.

There have also been important developments regarding the organ at All Saints’. The instrument is now in a much improved state following work on the blower and maintenance carried out by Shepherd and Sons. This has included attention to tracker action, the resolution of ciphers, and general cleaning. Some wear to the frontage of certain stops has been noted, though this is a natural consequence of regular use and does not currently present any concern.

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The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Clement and All Saints Hastings

Finally, sincere thanks are due to all those who contribute to and support the musical life of the parish, whether through singing, playing, administration, or encouragement.

With God’s help, it is hoped that this work will continue to grow, deepening both musical excellence and the shared life of faith within the church.

Dr Matthew Geer Director of Music

HEAD SERVERS REPORT

It has been a good year for the serving team, and despite having lost one member of the team early in the year, we have a good number of young people involved. Our adult servers have shown dedication even where health or work commitments have hindered them. Most weeks we can field a full team and on Easter Sunday were able to use everybody who could come, which was a pleasure for us all.

There is no greater honour for all of us than being able to serve God at His altar. We enjoy it and have fun but take the role very seriously. The Eucharistic elements are not something to be handled flippantly. I think I speak for all of us when I say how disappointed we are when the rota means we have to sit out for a week.

Keith Leech Head Server

PASTORAL VISITING (TO INCLUDE CARE HOME VISITS)

Old Hastings House continues to host a service of Communion by Extension fortnightly on Friday mornings. Between 6-10 residents attend and greatly appreciate the service. An equally popular monthly

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The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Clement and All Saints Hastings

service of Evening Praise has also been reintroduced, led by our lay ministers.

The Reserved Sacrament continues to be taken to parishioners in their own homes using a shortened version of service, when anyone is ill and unable to attend Church.

Catherine Bendon Pastoral Care Coordinator

HOUSE GROUPS

House groups in The Old Town Parish of St. Clement and All Saints' meet during Lent and Advent, usually following a themed course as a basis for thoughtful discussion, bible study and prayer.

Lent is the 40 day preparation for the events surrounding Easter, beginning on Ash Wednesday. Many Christians use this as a time of reflection on their faith. In Lent 2025 we used Tim Heaton's book, "The Long Road to Heaven", based on the film, "The Way". Many parishioners have viewed the film together at the Electric Palace in High Street and copies of the film were available to borrow.

Advent, also a time of preparation and reflection, spans the four Sundays before Christmas and in 2025 groups used a “York Course” book, “Who am I/” written by Nick Baines, Bishop of Leeds 2014 to 2025. This included video and audio downloads where Nick Baines, Chine McDonald, Director of Theos, and Nick Spencer, Senior Fellow at Theos discussed the themes of the course, “Who do we think we are and why, in the end, do we matter?”

Groups met on Monday evenings, Ashburnham Road, Wednesday morning s in Lent, St. Helens Down, Wednesday evenings Old Town, and

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The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Clement and All Saints Hastings

Friday evenings, Old Town, the Stag, from the week starting Monday, 10th March. Thank you to our hosts and leaders.

Sue Phillips House Groups Organiser

SATURDAYS AT ST CLEMENT’S

Thank you to our church sitters who have welcomed many visitors into St. Clement’s Church on a Saturday. Numbers vary but each week anywhere between 50 and 100 people have enjoyed learning about the building’s long history, stayed to listen to the Hand Bells and Tower Bells ringing practise, taken time for private prayer, perhaps lit a candle, and stayed to join us for a light lunch, summer cream tea, or coffee and cake! We thank all our customers and friends who supported us during the year, it has been wonderful to see full tables, happy faces and to hear the buzz of conversation. Donations have been generous and we have been able to raise over £3,000 in 2025 for church funds (£2986.22 in cash and over £100.00 in card payments). Two Towers Trust have also raised money running the Saturday lunches on the first Saturday in the month, details in TTT accounts. The 2025 Refreshment season ran from March and finished on Saturday 20[th] December. Opening in 2026 will follow a different pattern; watch out for dates in the Parish News, posters and parish 2025, it website.

Sue Phillips Hospitality Organiser

BELLRINGING AND HANDBELLS

Regular bellringing practices were held in both St Clement’s & All Saints during the year but only possible due to the support of ringers from other local churches. We had an excellent response to the Open Tower during Old Town Week even gaining a new learner who joined us in September.

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The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Clement and All Saints Hastings

We initially had 5 learners at the beginning of the year but only one has kept going which is a shame and I must offer my thanks to Paul Franks from Battle who has been doing the teaching for me and continues to do so. Until I can get more learners trained service ringing is impossible as there are now only 2 of us that can ring, I’m planning a recruitment event at the coming year’s Tower Tours so fingers crossed!

We rang for Hastings 30th Anniversary Bonfire in October and 2026 will be the 30th Anniversary of our ringing for Bonfire which initially only saw us being guests to watch the fireworks to us parading behind our own banner as The Clangers!

The year also started well for the handbells group with lots of new pieces of music to challenge us and increase the variety of our repertoire. We were due to play at the first of the Holy Trinity lunchtime concerts last summer but were prevented from doing so by building work.

We continued to entertain visitors to St Clement on a Saturday when the church was open and have built a regular following. We had a lot of bookings for our Christmas performances from both regular and new residential care homes, which is always a pleasure for us, but we sadly missed both Ken and Sandra as they were in Australia.

We are looking for some new recruits and will be advertising in the Parish magazine shortly.

Rosemary Smith Tower Captain

PARISH LIBRARY

The Parish Library continues to grow, thanks to contributions of books gratefully received from members of the congregation. Another factor

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The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Clement and All Saints Hastings

in its steady accumulation of material is due to the gifting of individuals works for a temporary duration.

The library itself continues to be a very diverse collection of works related to religious subjects of various types including Theology and Church History. A large section of biographies of various notable religious figures help to show the contribution they have made to the unfolding of human succession.

The library prides itself on including material that moves beyond purely documenting its Anglican origin. Here you can find works about other Christian traditions and also about other world faiths.

Although the library is primarily used for study purposes by congregation members it is open to all and, hopefully, will be used for pleasure by many more in the coming year.

Laurence Homewood Librarian

Approved by the PCC on 14 April 2026 and signed on its behalf by:

……………………………………. …………………………………… Revd Mathew Phipps(Chair) Simon Scott (Treasurer)

ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S STATEMENT

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The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Clement and All Saints Hastings

Please see the attached documents which contain both statements.

19

PARISH OF ST CLEMENT AND ALL SAINTS HASTINGS Accounts 2025

Annual Financial Report

of

The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiasticla Parish of

St Clement with All Saints Hastings

St Clement's Church, Swan Terrace, Hastings, TN34 3HT

Registered Charity No. 1139491

For the year ended 31st December 2025

CONTENTS

Page

Summary of Financial Receipts and Payments

Unrestricted Unrestricted Unrestricted Restricted
Fund/s
Restricted
Fund/s
Endowed
Fund/s
Endowed
Fund/s
Total
All Funds
2025
Total
All Funds
2024
Notes
General
Fund
Designated
Funds
Income and endowments from:
Donations and legacies
Charitable activities
Trading activities
Investments
Other receipts
Receipts from Sale of Investments
£
48,595
4,147
33,332
10,081
£
575
-
6,448
-
£
14,783
-
-
-
£
-
-
-
-
£
63,953
4,147
39,780
10,081
£
60,671
4,149
37,102
9,969
9,645
105,800
31,000
100
7,123
7,000
21,783
-
-
16,745
134,706
31,000
27,287
139,178
5,000
Total received 136,800 7,123 21,783 - 165,706 144,178
8,128
90,365
12361
Expenditure on:
Cost of raising funds
Charitable costs
Trading costs
Major repairs
Other payments
Payments for purchases of investments
2,564
93,619
11589
4,894
1,145
208
-
2,273
-
-
-
-
7,458
97,037
11797
,
-
-
107,772
-

-
-
6,247
-

43,326
-
45,599
-

-
-
-
,
43,326
-
159,618
-
,
20,820
-
131,674
8,000
Total paid 107,772 6,247 45,599 - 159,618 139,674
Reconciliation of funds:
Net income or (net expenditure) 29,028 876 (23,816) - 6,088 4,504
Transfers between funds
Net movement in funds
Bank accounts at 1 January
(22,940) (876) 23,816 - - -
6,088
9,522
-
-
- -
-
6,088
9,522
4,504
5,018
Bank accounts at 31 December 15,610 - - - 15,610 9,522

These accounts were approved at a meeting of the Parochial Church Council held on _____

Signed:

Rev Mat Phipps, Chair

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

Unrestricted Unrestricted Restricted
Fund/s
Endowed
Fund/s
Total
All Funds
2025
Total
All Funds
2024
Notes
General
Designated
Fund
Funds
Assets:
Cash at bank and in hand
£
£
15,610
£ £ £
15,610
-
£
9,522
PCC-owned bank balance 15,610
-
-
-
-
-
-
15,610
-
9,522
-
Total bank and deposit accounts 15,610
-
- - 15,610 9,522
Prepayments and accrued income
Gift Aid recoverable
Other debtors
-
-
-
-
-
Debtors - - - - - -
CCLA investment fund
All Saints organ fund
Diocese-held fund
Other Endowments
259,493
3,041
13,386
-
11,754
-
-
-
-
46,070
1,652
274,288
13,386
46,070
1,652
318,234
13,544
47,927
-
Investment assets at market value 259,493 16,427 11,754 47,722 335,396 379,705
-
-
- -
Investment assets at cost -
-
- - - -
Fixed Assets for Church use 300,403
-
- 300,403 300,403
Total assets 575,506 16,427 11,754 47,722 651,409 689,630
Liabilities:
Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year
-
-
Total Liabilities -
-

Notes

No account taken of increase/decrease value of Fixed Assets

Notes to the Annual Financial Report

Analysis of total received

Analysis of total received
General
Designated
Unrestricted
Restricted Total
All Funds
Total
All Funds
Notes
1
2
3
4
Planned giving (excl. tax refunds)
Planned giving (no tax refunds)
One-off and adhoc donations
Special appeals
Gift Aid recovered
Legacies
Misc donations
Fund
£
18,789
375
9,425
3,387
9,300
1,500
5,819
Funds
£
-
-
575
-
-
-
-
Fund/s
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
14,783
2025
£
18,789
375
10,000
3,387
9,300
1,500
20,602
2024
£
20,124
1,360
7,572
10,155
11,141
-
10,319
Donations and legacies 48,595 575 14,783 63,953 60,671
Fees for weddings & funerals
4,147
- - 4,147
4,149
Charitable activities
Proceeds of events with trading/sales
Concert income
Night church
Hire of churches
Other fundraising
4,147
0
-
-
1,110
6,168
-
-
5,939
5
-
504
-
-
-
-
-
-
4,147
-
5,939
5
1,110
6,672
4,149
1,396
5,575
5
1,110
5,114
Total trading activities 7,278 6,448 - 13,726 13,200
Income from church hall
Income from Parish News
18,040
8,014
-
-
-
-
18,040
8,014
17,242
6,660
Total other trading activities 26,054 - - 26,054 23,902
Bank & CBF interest
CBF investment fund dividend
78
10,003
-
-
-
-
78
10,003
146
9,823
Investments 10,081 - - 10,081 9,969
VAT refunds
Grants
Insurance claims
Other receipts
9,645
-
-
-
-
-
-
100
-
6,000
-
1,000
9,645
6,000
-
1,100
537
25,750
1,000
-
Total received on all funds 105,800 7,123 21,783 134,706 139,178

Notes

  1. We are grateful for the Two Towers Trust donations of £14,783 towards the All Saints porch roof.

  2. £504 was raised by the hand bells group

  3. A final grant of £6,000 was received from the National Churches Trust for the AS porch roof

  4. The Battley Hibbert Trust has granted £1,000 to support students learning the organ

Notes to the Annual Financial Report

Analysis of total paid:

Analysis of total paid:
General
Designated
Unrestricted
Restricted Endowed Total
All Funds
Total
All Funds
Weddings & funerals
Fundraising expenses
Concerts & AS organ maintenance
Fund
£
2,382
182
-
Funds
£
-
-
4,894
Fund/s
£
-
-
-
Fund/s
£
-
-
-
2025
£
2,382
182
4,894
2024
£
1,553
120
6,455
Cost of raising funds 2,564 4,894 - - 7,458 8,128
Charitable grants and donations
Parish share to Chichester Diocese
Salaries and honoraria incl NI
Clergy and other people's expenses
Insurance
Utilities
Administration
Children's choir
Night church
Bells fund
Other regular church running costs
Accounting and examiner's fees
Rosetti exhibition
Church maintenance
-
31,500
12,505
923
10,187
16,715
1,539
-
-
-
9,216
300
372
10,362
1,145
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
2,273
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
1,145
31,500
12,505
923
10,187
16,715
1,539
2,273
-
-
9,216
300
372
10,362
371
31,000
12,238
690
9,869
19,200
2,035
2,149
787
-
6,653
300
24
5,049
Charitable costs 93,619 1,145 2,273 - 97,037 90,365
Hall insurance
Hall maintenance
Hall utilities
Parish News costs
Other trading costs
1,195
-
2,762
7,632
-
208
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
1,195
208
2,762
7,632
-
1,155
516
2,363
8,327
-
Trading costs 11,589 208 - - 11,797 12,361
Major repairs
l id ll fd
-
-
43,326
- 43,326
20,820

Notes

Notes

  1. Repairs to the All Saints porch roof have been completed.

5

Notes to the Annual Financial Report

Staff costs

Staff costs
2024
£
Wages, salaries and honoraria
12,505
Employer National Insurance
-
Employer pension contributions
-
12,505
2023
£
12,238
-
-
12,238

We pay our organist, Dr Matthew Geer

We continue to pay a cleaner for churches and hall, and for a parish administrator. Amounts paid and employees' circumstances mean that no NI payments are required, or pension contributions

Notes to the Annual Financial Report

Statement of funds

Statement of funds
Balances Transfers, Balances Notes
b/fwd other gains c/fwd
1 Jan 2025 Income Expenditure and losses 31-Dec-25
£ £ £ £ £
All Saints churchyard 265 - - - 265
St Clements churchyard 1,387 - - - 1,387
Diocese-held funds 46,275 - - (205) 46,070
Total of all endowed funds 47,927 - - (205) 47,722
Insurance claims - - - - -
Organ Students Fund - 1,000 - - 1,000
Grants - All Saints Porch Roof 13,085 6,000 (19,085) -
Grant - Children's choir 4,884 - (2,273) - 2,611
Two Towers Trust - 14,783 (14,783) -
Churches Repair Fund - 8,143 8,143
All Saints Porch Roof Appeal 17,601 - (9,458) (8,143) -
Total of all restricted funds 35,570 21,783 (45,599) - 11,754
All Saints organ inv. fund 13,544 - - (158) 13,386
All Saints organ (37) 6,039 (4,894) - 1,108
All Saints Hall 12,801 - (613) (12,188) - 6
St Clements bells 784 504 - - 1,288
Night church 640 5 - - 645
Jenga (52) - 52 - -
Designated collections 217 575 (792) - -
Total of all designated funds 27,897 7,123 (6,247) (12,346) 16,427
General fund (bank & investments) 277,833 105,800 (107,772) (758) 275,103
Assets held 300,403 - - 300,403
Total of all unrestricted funds 606,133 112,923 (114,019) (13,104) 591,933
Total funds 689,630 134,706 (159,618) (13,309) 651,409

6. The PCC resolved to absorb this fund into the general fund.

PARISH OF ST CLEMENT AND ALL SAINTS HASTINGS Accounts 2025

Independent Examiner's Report to the PCC of All Saints with St Clement, Hastings for the Year Ended 31st December 2025

This is my report to the Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish (PCC) of All Saints with St Clement, Hastings, on the annual report for the year ended 31[st] December 2025 set out on pages 2 to 7.

Respective responsibilities of trustees & examiner

The PCC members are responsible for the preparation of the annual reports. The PCC members consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 ("the Charities Act") and that an independent examination is needed.

It is my responsibility

Basis of independent examiner's report

My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a "true and fair" view, and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.

Independent examiner's statement

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:

have not been met, or

Mr Keith Miller Independent Examiner Hastings Voluntary Action, Jackson Hall, Portland Place, Hastings, TN34 1QN

Dated 23 April 2026

PARISH OF ST CLEMENT AND ALL SAINTS HASTINGS Accounts 2025

Annual Financial Report

of

The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiasticla Parish of

St Clement with All Saints Hastings

St Clement's Church, Swan Terrace, Hastings, TN34 3HT

Registered Charity No. 1139491

For the year ended 31st December 2025

CONTENTS

Page

Summary of Financial Receipts and Payments

Unrestricted Unrestricted Unrestricted Restricted
Fund/s
Restricted
Fund/s
Endowed
Fund/s
Endowed
Fund/s
Total
All Funds
2025
Total
All Funds
2024
Notes
General
Fund
Designated
Funds
Income and endowments from:
Donations and legacies
Charitable activities
Trading activities
Investments
Other receipts
Receipts from Sale of Investments
£
48,595
4,147
33,332
10,081
£
575
-
6,448
-
£
14,783
-
-
-
£
-
-
-
-
£
63,953
4,147
39,780
10,081
£
60,671
4,149
37,102
9,969
9,645
105,800
31,000
100
7,123
7,000
21,783
-
-
16,745
134,706
31,000
27,287
139,178
5,000
Total received 136,800 7,123 21,783 - 165,706 144,178
8,128
90,365
12361
Expenditure on:
Cost of raising funds
Charitable costs
Trading costs
Major repairs
Other payments
Payments for purchases of investments
2,564
93,619
11589
4,894
1,145
208
-
2,273
-
-
-
-
7,458
97,037
11797
,
-
-
107,772
-

-
-
6,247
-

43,326
-
45,599
-

-
-
-
,
43,326
-
159,618
-
,
20,820
-
131,674
8,000
Total paid 107,772 6,247 45,599 - 159,618 139,674
Reconciliation of funds:
Net income or (net expenditure) 29,028 876 (23,816) - 6,088 4,504
Transfers between funds
Net movement in funds
Bank accounts at 1 January
(22,940) (876) 23,816 - - -
6,088
9,522
-
-
- -
-
6,088
9,522
4,504
5,018
Bank accounts at 31 December 15,610 - - - 15,610 9,522

These accounts were approved at a meeting of the Parochial Church Council held on _____

Signed:

Rev Mat Phipps, Chair

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

Unrestricted Unrestricted Restricted
Fund/s
Endowed
Fund/s
Total
All Funds
2025
Total
All Funds
2024
Notes
General
Designated
Fund
Funds
Assets:
Cash at bank and in hand
£
£
15,610
£ £ £
15,610
-
£
9,522
PCC-owned bank balance 15,610
-
-
-
-
-
-
15,610
-
9,522
-
Total bank and deposit accounts 15,610
-
- - 15,610 9,522
Prepayments and accrued income
Gift Aid recoverable
Other debtors
-
-
-
-
-
Debtors - - - - - -
CCLA investment fund
All Saints organ fund
Diocese-held fund
Other Endowments
259,493
3,041
13,386
-
11,754
-
-
-
-
46,070
1,652
274,288
13,386
46,070
1,652
318,234
13,544
47,927
-
Investment assets at market value 259,493 16,427 11,754 47,722 335,396 379,705
-
-
- -
Investment assets at cost -
-
- - - -
Fixed Assets for Church use 300,403
-
- 300,403 300,403
Total assets 575,506 16,427 11,754 47,722 651,409 689,630
Liabilities:
Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year
-
-
Total Liabilities -
-

Notes

No account taken of increase/decrease value of Fixed Assets

Notes to the Annual Financial Report

Analysis of total received

Analysis of total received
General
Designated
Unrestricted
Restricted Total
All Funds
Total
All Funds
Notes
1
2
3
4
Planned giving (excl. tax refunds)
Planned giving (no tax refunds)
One-off and adhoc donations
Special appeals
Gift Aid recovered
Legacies
Misc donations
Fund
£
18,789
375
9,425
3,387
9,300
1,500
5,819
Funds
£
-
-
575
-
-
-
-
Fund/s
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
14,783
2025
£
18,789
375
10,000
3,387
9,300
1,500
20,602
2024
£
20,124
1,360
7,572
10,155
11,141
-
10,319
Donations and legacies 48,595 575 14,783 63,953 60,671
Fees for weddings & funerals
4,147
- - 4,147
4,149
Charitable activities
Proceeds of events with trading/sales
Concert income
Night church
Hire of churches
Other fundraising
4,147
0
-
-
1,110
6,168
-
-
5,939
5
-
504
-
-
-
-
-
-
4,147
-
5,939
5
1,110
6,672
4,149
1,396
5,575
5
1,110
5,114
Total trading activities 7,278 6,448 - 13,726 13,200
Income from church hall
Income from Parish News
18,040
8,014
-
-
-
-
18,040
8,014
17,242
6,660
Total other trading activities 26,054 - - 26,054 23,902
Bank & CBF interest
CBF investment fund dividend
78
10,003
-
-
-
-
78
10,003
146
9,823
Investments 10,081 - - 10,081 9,969
VAT refunds
Grants
Insurance claims
Other receipts
9,645
-
-
-
-
-
-
100
-
6,000
-
1,000
9,645
6,000
-
1,100
537
25,750
1,000
-
Total received on all funds 105,800 7,123 21,783 134,706 139,178

Notes

  1. We are grateful for the Two Towers Trust donations of £14,783 towards the All Saints porch roof.

  2. £504 was raised by the hand bells group

  3. A final grant of £6,000 was received from the National Churches Trust for the AS porch roof

  4. The Battley Hibbert Trust has granted £1,000 to support students learning the organ

Notes to the Annual Financial Report

Analysis of total paid:

Analysis of total paid:
General
Designated
Unrestricted
Restricted Endowed Total
All Funds
Total
All Funds
Weddings & funerals
Fundraising expenses
Concerts & AS organ maintenance
Fund
£
2,382
182
-
Funds
£
-
-
4,894
Fund/s
£
-
-
-
Fund/s
£
-
-
-
2025
£
2,382
182
4,894
2024
£
1,553
120
6,455
Cost of raising funds 2,564 4,894 - - 7,458 8,128
Charitable grants and donations
Parish share to Chichester Diocese
Salaries and honoraria incl NI
Clergy and other people's expenses
Insurance
Utilities
Administration
Children's choir
Night church
Bells fund
Other regular church running costs
Accounting and examiner's fees
Rosetti exhibition
Church maintenance
-
31,500
12,505
923
10,187
16,715
1,539
-
-
-
9,216
300
372
10,362
1,145
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
2,273
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
1,145
31,500
12,505
923
10,187
16,715
1,539
2,273
-
-
9,216
300
372
10,362
371
31,000
12,238
690
9,869
19,200
2,035
2,149
787
-
6,653
300
24
5,049
Charitable costs 93,619 1,145 2,273 - 97,037 90,365
Hall insurance
Hall maintenance
Hall utilities
Parish News costs
Other trading costs
1,195
-
2,762
7,632
-
208
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
1,195
208
2,762
7,632
-
1,155
516
2,363
8,327
-
Trading costs 11,589 208 - - 11,797 12,361
Major repairs
l id ll fd
-
-
43,326
- 43,326
20,820

Notes

Notes

  1. Repairs to the All Saints porch roof have been completed.

5

Notes to the Annual Financial Report

Staff costs

Staff costs
2024
£
Wages, salaries and honoraria
12,505
Employer National Insurance
-
Employer pension contributions
-
12,505
2023
£
12,238
-
-
12,238

We pay our organist, Dr Matthew Geer

We continue to pay a cleaner for churches and hall, and for a parish administrator. Amounts paid and employees' circumstances mean that no NI payments are required, or pension contributions

Notes to the Annual Financial Report

Statement of funds

Statement of funds
Balances Transfers, Balances Notes
b/fwd other gains c/fwd
1 Jan 2025 Income Expenditure and losses 31-Dec-25
£ £ £ £ £
All Saints churchyard 265 - - - 265
St Clements churchyard 1,387 - - - 1,387
Diocese-held funds 46,275 - - (205) 46,070
Total of all endowed funds 47,927 - - (205) 47,722
Insurance claims - - - - -
Organ Students Fund - 1,000 - - 1,000
Grants - All Saints Porch Roof 13,085 6,000 (19,085) -
Grant - Children's choir 4,884 - (2,273) - 2,611
Two Towers Trust - 14,783 (14,783) -
Churches Repair Fund - 8,143 8,143
All Saints Porch Roof Appeal 17,601 - (9,458) (8,143) -
Total of all restricted funds 35,570 21,783 (45,599) - 11,754
All Saints organ inv. fund 13,544 - - (158) 13,386
All Saints organ (37) 6,039 (4,894) - 1,108
All Saints Hall 12,801 - (613) (12,188) - 6
St Clements bells 784 504 - - 1,288
Night church 640 5 - - 645
Jenga (52) - 52 - -
Designated collections 217 575 (792) - -
Total of all designated funds 27,897 7,123 (6,247) (12,346) 16,427
General fund (bank & investments) 277,833 105,800 (107,772) (758) 275,103
Assets held 300,403 - - 300,403
Total of all unrestricted funds 606,133 112,923 (114,019) (13,104) 591,933
Total funds 689,630 134,706 (159,618) (13,309) 651,409

6. The PCC resolved to absorb this fund into the general fund.

PARISH OF ST CLEMENT AND ALL SAINTS HASTINGS Accounts 2025

Independent Examiner's Report to the PCC of All Saints with St Clement, Hastings for the Year Ended 31st December 2025

This is my report to the Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish (PCC) of All Saints with St Clement, Hastings, on the annual report for the year ended 31[st] December 2025 set out on pages 2 to 7.

Respective responsibilities of trustees & examiner

The PCC members are responsible for the preparation of the annual reports. The PCC members consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 ("the Charities Act") and that an independent examination is needed.

It is my responsibility

Basis of independent examiner's report

My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a "true and fair" view, and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.

Independent examiner's statement

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:

have not been met, or

Mr Keith Miller Independent Examiner Hastings Voluntary Action, Jackson Hall, Portland Place, Hastings, TN34 1QN

Dated 23 April 2026